HHV x Freimeisterkollektiv Selection Box

A conversation with Theo Ligthart

Text & Interview: Calum Andrews

Calum Andrews: Hello Theo, tell us a little bit about Freimeisterkollektiv (FMK) and how it all got started…

Theo Ligthart: Well we started in 2016 which is now more than 5 years ago and the basic idea was to create a network of craft distillers, bring them together and help them with distribution, product development, packaging etc. The core idea was to have handmade spirits available for reasonable pricing and be available in bars, restaurants and retail. To support local small producers.

Calum Andrews: Great to hear you are working with Bars and Restaurants, we are also in your office/store just now. Where can the HHV customer find FMK?

Theo Ligthart: We are proud to do the collaboration with HHV and 3 of our products will be available at HHV. Besides that, we have a small shop at our site in Kreuzberg where people can drop by and buy products, of course online and in and around Berlin, Germany and abroad.

Theo Ligthart – Freimeisterkollektiv Founder

Calum Andrews: You mentioned the collaboration, how did the collaboration with HHV become a thing?

Theo Ligthart: Haha, well I was approached by you (Calum) as you used to work for us, you were our first bottler when we just started. Now you’re at HHV and it seemed like the right thing to do.

Calum Andrews: Alright, in the collaboration we are doing 3 products; Wermut Uhudler (Vermouth), Rhabarber (Rhubarb) & Hazelnuss (Hazelnut). Do you have any recommendations on how people should drink these?

Theo Ligthart: Wermut I would probably serve on ice or even with tonic which is really nice (especially in the warmer season). You should also try it as a wermut for a Manhattan cocktail or in a Negroni. The Hazelnuss, should be drunk straight in a nosing glass, it has a really complex flavor. Rhabarber you can also drink with or without ice, it goes very well with ginger beer which makes an incredibly nice High Ball.

Calum Andrews: One thing I would love to know, is what is one of your favorite memories or experiences you have had when enjoying a FMK drink?

Theo Ligthart: It is always a great experience to find our product in locations where we would never expect they are. The fond memories are of course drinking with the Freimeisters (distillers), drinking and talking with them about their product and how they see it, how they create the flavor profile and how they are constantly trying to improve their products.

Calum Andrews: So, drinks are often accompanied by music whether that be in a restaurant or bar, I am interested to hear a little bit about your music taste…

Theo Ligthart: My taste in music is very eclectic it really starts with classic music, especially medieval and renaissance music and also contemporary music. I listen to experimental stuff & electronic music which makes it really hard to say there is a music style I prefer. Like with the spirits I am not a whisky guy or a gin guy or an eau-de-vie guy, I am driven by quality and that’s the same with music.

Calum Andrews: We have touched on different things from quality to quantity, what makes FMK unique?

Theo Ligthart: It is a unique brand and a unique concept, there is nothing else like it on the liquor market. I think what makes us unique is that we have products that are really crafted by individuals who are true craftsmen and that we have a very interesting selection of producers from young upcoming distillers & winemakers to very established, very well-known distillers. I think it is a very special group of people who are producing these products.